Greer man says he shot gun in air as self-defense

Alex Wilson's home where he said he fired his gun into the air as self-defense. (Aug. 21, 2012/FOX Carolina)

GREER, SC (FOX Carolina) -

An Upstate man said he felt threatened and that's why he fired a gunshot in the city limits of Greer on Saturday night.

Alex Wilson said he was sitting on the back porch with his fiancé and some friends when nearly a dozen boys walked in his back yard. Wilson said he felt the need to protect himself, so he fired one gunshot in the air.

He said he made the decision because he was scared after his home was broken into two months ago. He said a safe, cash and personal items were taken.

"The only reason I shot the gun in the air was to scare them off and give police time to get here," Wilson said.

"When you shoot a gun in the air, there is no telling where that round is going to go. It could have struck another house or innocent person. So, that's the reason why we felt that he was charged," said Greer City Police Lt. Jimmy Holcombe.

Holcombe said Wilson could have taken other options.

Wilson is expected to appear in city court Sept. 12 and could face up to a $1,100 fine.